Khanzad Castle

Khanzad castle stands on high ground beside the road from Erbil up to Shaqlawa, a compact stone building of the late sixteenth century with round corner towers, arched galleries and an inner courtyard, associated with Khanzad Sultan, a princess of the Soran emirate remembered in Kurdish tradition as a ruler in her own right who commanded troops and built fortifications. How much of the legend is historical is unclear, but the castle carries her name and is one of the better-preserved buildings of the emirate period in the region. It has been partly restored. The visit is short, and the position gives views over the plain toward Erbil in one direction and the mountains in the other.

History

The castle was built in the late 16th century by Mir Xanzad, ruler of the Soran Emirate, as her residence and a defence for Erbil, her capital, and she named it after herself. It is built of stone and gypsum, has kept its original shape, and stands 40 metres high on two floors (Wikipedia, Xanzad Castle).

What you'll find

• Round corner towers - the stone castle's defensive corners.
• Arched galleries - the vaulted ranges around the inner court.
• The hilltop position - views to the plain and the mountains.
• Restoration work - consolidated masonry from recent campaigns.

When to go

March to May for green surroundings and wildflowers, September to November for clear weather. The site is small and takes an hour, usually on the way to or from Shaqlawa.

What to expect

The castle is small and largely empty inside, with no displays. Restoration has replaced a good deal of the masonry. Interpretation is minimal and mostly in Kurdish and Arabic. The story of Khanzad is tradition rather than documented history.

Nearby

Shaqlawa lies northeast; Erbil is southwest.

Key facts